Pomegranates, London

You'd expect to see an old politico dining his (equally old) long-term mistress here. Pomegranates is near the House of Commons and has a basement restaurant whose walls have probably been privy to a fair number of scandals. It is like a gentleman's club that has tried to go sexy but not surprisingly, it doesn't work. However, the eclectic menu and intimate atmosphere ensure a loyal clientele. Although an old British haunt, the restaurant's menu has such choices as Cantonese Roast Duck which is probably due to the influence of the Filipino chefs.